The Titans won both of their games against NFC East foes this season on dumb penalties. The Eagles are more disciplined than than the Giants and Cowboys. Whether it’s Kevin Kolb or Mike Vick for the Eagles, or Kerry Collins or Vince Young at quarterback for the Titans, the results remains the same.

Pittsburgh over MIAMI

The pick here has to be the Steelers, but that doesn’t mean that I feel great about it. Ben Rothlisberger played good enough against the Browns last week (16 of 27, 257 yards) to get a win, but this will be a big test for him in his second game back from suspension.

Saint Louis over TAMPA BAY

Does Tampa Bay continue to burn me?

San Francisco over CAROLINA

With the monkey finally off their back after beating the Raiders last week, the 49ers are ready to roll. The most interesting aspect of this team is the development of receiver Michael Crabtree. With Jimmy Raye out and Mike Johnson in as offensive coordinator, Crabtree is finally starting to put together some solid numbers.

SEATTLE over Arizona

Place me among those not convinced by Arizona quarterback Max Hall.

New England over SAN DIEGO

San Diego simply makes too many mistakes. Also, I’m not completely convinced by the numbers they’ve posted. They rank in the top five in both total offense and defense, but their schedule has included games against Saint Louis, Oakland, Arizona and Jacksonville. I don’t deny their talent, they have one of the better rosters in the NFL, but they need to prove it against a good team.

GREEN BAY over Minnesota

Is Brett Favre really unfazed by everything going on in his life? Eventually it’s going to weigh on him, but that has nothing to do with this pick. The game itself is essentially a toss-up. Both teams are suffering a number of injuries and are far from being at full strength. My reasoning: Lambeau. That’s it. The odds makers are giving the Packers three points, which essentially means they view the teams as being even and favor Green Bay for the same reason I do.

New York Giants over DALLAS

This is another big pick ‘em game. Talent-wise, statistically or by any other measure outside of actual record suggests that the Cowboys are one of the best team’s in the NFL. They just need to stop making mistakes. At some point that is going to happen, but I’m not comfortable making that prediction until they prove it.